The national agricultural fair Unnat Krishi Mahotsav concluded in Raisen with wide participation by farmers. The closing session was attended by Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Gadkari outlined a vision linking road development, modern agricultural technologies and rural prosperity and Chouhan committed to implementing the seed-to-market roadmap.

Gadkari agreed in principle to advance the Raisen Ring Road eastern bypass, including preparation of a detailed project report and facilitation of land acquisition, and indicated support for bridge beautification. He urged adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence, weather stations, satellite systems, drones and nano urea to convert knowledge into wealth, raise productivity and reduce costs. He highlighted opportunities for farmers to generate energy and fuels from agricultural residues, biomass and hydrogen.

Water conservation was emphasised as a central priority, with guidance that flowing water should be slowed and stored to recharge groundwater and that village and farm water should be retained locally. The ministers noted that conservation structures can provide irrigation alternatives where direct irrigation is not feasible.

Dairy, fisheries and value addition were identified as key avenues for raising farm incomes, alongside the need for processing, cold storage and pre-cooling to prevent price falls from oversupply. Farmers were encouraged to study exhibition displays of machinery, polyhouses, hydroponics, one-acre farming models, goat rearing and fish farming and to apply suitable innovations.

Chouhan described the event as a beginning and said the seed-to-market roadmap has been prepared taking into account local soils, climate, water and resources. He announced plans for Beej Gram in every block, expansion of pulses and horticulture, drip and sprinkler irrigation, Custom Hiring Centres and machine banks at panchayat level, quality nurseries, stronger farmer producer organisations and expanded pack houses and cold storage. A task force and national steering committee will monitor implementation and farmers were urged to obtain Farmer ID to ease access to services.